What a fabulous list of books chosen by our junior secondary cohort! We would love to publish reviews of these books by students in Years 7 to 9. Go to our contact page to make your contribution, or comment below.
13 by James Phelan
Sam wakes from a nightmare to discover the terrifying reality. It will come true. Kidnapped from school and finding out his parents aren't who he thinks they are, Sam is suddenly running from danger at every turn. First Chapter | Author Video
HIT LIST by Jack Heath
When Ash and Benjamin are hired to rescue an imprisoned girl they realise they are in over their heads, with corrupt governments, ruthless corporations and rogue assassins. A gripping, fast paced story. Trailer | Synopsis | Review Excerpts
RED by Libby Gleeson
Red can't remember the cyclone. She doesn't remember her name, where she lived, who her family might be. What can she do to find out who she is and where she belongs? Is there anyone she can trust to help her? A gripping mystery. Synopsis | Author Bio | First Chapter
MY LIFE AS AN ALPHABET by Barry Jonsberg
Candice Phee wants to bring light and laughter to those around her, and somehow she succeeds despite the bizarre mix-ups and the confusion she effortlessly creates. An uplifting comedy-drama. Description | Author Info | Preview
PENNIES FOR HITLER by Jackie French
The complexities of Georg's life in 1939 Nazi Germany are more than any child should know, but his experiences and the people he meets make for an inspiring coming of age story. Set in Germany, England and Australia. Preview | Description | Author Information
SIX IMPOSSIBLE THINGS by Fiona Wood
A witty and warm book about Dan, who has had to move house and school when his parents' marriage and business fail. His Dad has also come out as gay, just another thing to throw into the mix. Dan is struggling, but then there is this girl who lives next door, and it so happens they share an attic. Five Reasons To read Six Impossible Things
THE WHOLE OF MY WORLD by Nicole Hayes
With a grieving father and a terrible secret of her own, Shelly takes shelter in a full blown obsession with AFL footy – the games, the players. But her friends don’t get it and she doesn’t know why. Book Description | Free Chapter
YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW by Sue Lawson
Alex Hudson is a good guy. He plays water polo. He has a part-time job. He's doing okay at school. Then the thing that anchors Alex is ripped away and his life seems pointless. How can he make anyone else understand how he feels, when he doesn't even know? Review
DOOMSDAY by Chris Morphew
PHOENIX FILES #6 With less than a day to go until the end of the world, there's nowhere left to hide. Luke and Jordan don't think they'll make it through the night, let alone save the day. "...the ultimate battle between good and evil [is] powerful and engaging. Not a read for the fainthearted, however!" (Jo Schenkel, Reading Time.) Review
FINDING SERENDIPITY by Angelica Banks
Tuesday McGillycuddy loves stories - and her mother is a writer. A very famous writer, who has locked herself away in her writing room to finish the final book in her best-selling series for children. But when Tuesday knocks on her door, she discovers her mother is missing! Description | Author Info | Preview